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Inaugural 36-Meter Pelota Nations League Opens in Bizkaia

The weeklong tournament serves as qualification for the 2026 World Championship in Venado Tuerto.

Overview

  • The competition spans Bilbao’s Miribilla and Esperantza frontons and Barakaldo, with most finals set for Miribilla and individual puntistas competing in Barakaldo.
  • Organizers confirmed a field of about 160 athletes after Bolivia withdrew at the last minute due to visa issues.
  • Women’s hand and adaptive pelota make their debut at this event following a request from Basque institutions, with matches scheduled at Esperantza.
  • International federation president Xavier Cazaubon framed the event as an alliance with Basque authorities and said its showcase could support the sport’s Olympic ambitions.
  • Argentina selected 2024 individual champion Román Maldonado despite opposition from his employer, with the national federation publicly backing his participation.